2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
BLGY2297 Mediterranean Ecology Field Course
20 creditsClass Size: 32
Module manager: Dr Alastair Ward
Email: a.i.ward@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisites
| BLGY1300 | Coastal and Upland Habitats Field Course |
Module replaces
(BLGY2311)BLGY2313This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This field module covers the ecology of a semi-arid Mediterranean environments using a project-based approach. Preparatory lectures and workshops enable a rapid and well-informed start to the field trip. The trip takes place during the Spring break at a Mediterranean field location (most likely Spain). Students work in small groups with a supervisor to fully develop a research project which is carried out, analysed and presented during the field course.Objectives
This module aims to explore the ecology of one of the worlds greatest biodiversity hotspots: the Mediterranean region. It achieves this via lectures and hands-on research experience. It will enable students to gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience of at least one focal system within our field site.The objectives are to enable students to:
-Explain the processes that have resulted in the modern biodiversity of our study site.
-Design, plan and carry out a simple ecological field research project.
-Evaluate field health and safety and research ethics.
-Collect and analyse field data, and then interpret and present the results in the form of an authentic research seminar.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Explain and evaluate how the current Mediterranean landscape and biodiversity came to be
2. Demonstrate a broad understanding of Mediterranean ecology
3. Describe the characteristics and lifestyles of specific focal taxa or an ecological system
4. Design and carry out an ethical ecological field project
Skills Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
5. Design and conduct basic field research
6. Collect, manage, analyse and present novel data
Syllabus
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Supervision | 2 | 7.00 | 14.00 |
| Lectures | 5 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| seminars | 4 | 3.00 | 12.00 |
| Practicals | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Fieldwork | 7 | 7.00 | 49.00 |
| Private study hours | 117.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 83.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Written feedback is provided on the summative project proposal (1500 words), formative risk assessment and formative ethical review form in advance of the field trip. These provide the background to the group research undertaken during the trip, and provide the opportunity for individual assessment and feedback to ensure that the field project is well-researched and designed in advance of the trip. Formative feedback is also provided verbally to each group and each student throughout the trip as the project supervisor meets with their students several times each day to evaluate field conduct, assure appropriate collection of data, support data analysis and presentation writing. Written and verbal feedback is also received by each group on their summative presentation.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Project | Project proposal | 30.00 |
| Presentation | Research Project which will be carried out and presented during the course. This will be a group project with individually assessed performance. | 70.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Re-sit for the project proposal will be a project proposal on a different topic. Re-sit for the group presentation will be an individual presentation, using data provided.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 29/04/2024 16:11:53
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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